The goal of the immunization program is to offer protection against vaccine-preventable diseases in order to attain a high level of immunity that will prevent outbreaks.
For information on the COVID-19 or Influenza immunization campaigns, please visit:
The BCCDC Immunization Manual provides best practice guidelines to direct the provision of immunization services in British Columbia. The manual is updated regularly and it is the responsibility of each provider to ensure they are using the most current version. All updates are summarized in the Admin Circulars. To receive automated email updates when the manual is updated, enter your email address on this page.
The BCCDC Immunization Manual: Appendix E provides guidelines on the management of biologicals. Additional information and resources can be found on the BCCDC Vaccine Management page. There is also a free 30-minute course on Vaccine Storage and Handling.
Vaccines are sensitive biological products. Protection of vaccine potency and stability is important.
The recommended temperature for vaccine storage and handling is between +2.0°C to +8.0°C at all times.
Record the minimum, maximum and current temperature of the vaccine fridge at the start and end of each business day using the Refrigerator Temperature Log. For more information, review these instructions.
A cold chain incident occurs when the minimum, maximum or current fridge temperature reading is outside +2.0°C to +8.0°C. If this happens, immediately quarantine the vaccine in a fridge maintained between +2.0°C to +8.0°C
and following these steps:
To order vaccine, complete Publicly Funded Vaccine Order Form and fax to the local Health Unit.
Immunizations administered to children less than 19 years of age must be reported to the local Health Unit when the vaccines are not entered directly into Panorama or ImmsBC at time of administration.
To report immunizations to Public Health, complete Report of Immunization of Children 0-18 Years by Community Vaccine Providers Form and fax to local Health Unit weekly.
The BCCDC Immunization Manual: Part 5: Adverse Events Following Immunization provides guidance on reportable events. All adverse events following immunization that meet the reporting criteria must be reported to the local Health Unit. For more information, see CVP Reporting Process.
When an adverse event following immunization is reported to you:
